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Growth Assessment and Experience

M. Villegas

Department of Advanced Studies, Azusa Pacific University

EDUC 549: Capstone Experience in Learning and Technology

Dr. Jennifer Courduff

November 30, 2020

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Growth Assessment and Experience

History of Coursework

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History of Coursework

Course Term/Yr Professor/Instructor Key Learnings

 classroom management
Dr. Freeman
TESP 501 Fall 1 2019  basic pedagogy
Dr. Watkins
 lesson planning
 neuroscience behind learning

TESP 502 Fall 1 2019 Dr. Freeman  how the brain learns

 child development
 Preparation for the learning and

tech program.

EDUC 540 Fall 1 2019 Instructor Stroup  Introduction to the different

computer application we would be

using.
 UDL and application

Instructor Hynes  curriculum design and

TESP 511 Fall 2 2019
Instructor Orr differentiation

 deeper examination of pedagogy

 RICA preparation

TEP 521 Fall 2 2019 Dr. Freeman  how to teach reading

 differentiation of instruction
EDUC 547 Spring 1 2020 Dr. Courduff  introduction to QIAT

 in-depth look at assistive

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technology

 differentiation in the classroom

 assessment

TESP 512 Spring 1 2020 Dr. Barsh  review of assessment planning

 purpose and process of assessment

 utilizing mathematics in the

classroom
TEP 522 Spring 2 2020 Dr. Kaiser
 mathematic unit plan

 assessment and PBL

 digital citizenship

 digital learning
EDUC 548 Spring 2 2020 Instructor Holder
 different digital applications and

uses
 legalities of education

TESP 504 Summer 1 2020 Dr. Freeman  ethics in education

 community of education
 philosophies of education

TESP 503 Summer 1 2020 Dr. Watkins  social justice

 inclusive practices
 practice of teaching science

 5E’s in science
TEP 523 Fall 1 2020 Dr. Kaiser
 science lesson planning

 crosscutting
EDUC 546 Fall 1 2020 Instructor  creating a website

Hernandez  different available technologies

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 uses of technology to communicate

 Incorporation of multiple subjects in

TEP 524 Fall 2 2020 Dr. Freeman lesson planning.

 including VAPA
 The culmination of our master’s

EDUC 549 Fall 2 2020 Dr. Courduff program emphasis.

 growth assessment
Personal Growth

Spiritual Growth

During my time in the Learning and Technology program at Azusa Pacific University, I

have experienced some significant spiritual growth. I would say the most significant growth has

been how to work in a public-school system and still find a way to let the light of the Lord shine

through me. I have learned that in education I am called to be God’s hands and feet here on earth.

I know I will experience many different situations with parents, students, and teachers that will

require me to lean on the Lord. Throughout this program that is what I have learned the most.

Rest in the Lord and stay steadfast, just as the it says in the Bible. “Therefore, my beloved

brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in

the Lord your labor is not in vain” (English Standard Version, 2001/2005 1 Corinthians 15:58).

Cognitive Growth

If I am being very honest, I have had significant cognitive growth. I have spent much of

my adult life not believing in myself. I did not have much support as a child, and it took a lot of

soul searching to learn that I can do something and be successful. Getting a master’s degree and

credential came out of a lot of self-doubt. It took me 16 years to graduate with my bachelor’s

degree because I did not believe I was worth the effort. The growth in this program is that I
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stayed, worked hard, and finished. I also planned to get a job at a school, gain the experience,

and become an intern teacher. That is exactly what I did.

Affective Growth

I have seen significant affective growth as well during my time in this program. Being a

teacher requires me to be sensitive to the needs of my students while still maintaining control in

the classroom. I also need to be able to communicate with parents in a way that conveys empathy

without inserting my own biased thoughts and opinions. This program has helped me grow in my

understanding and awareness of the individual needs of my students. They each come with their

own story and it is my job to help them feel safe and accepted in my classroom.

Professional Growth

I started on this journey hopeful for what was ahead of me. I knew that I wanted to be a

teacher and I knew it would be hard to find a job. I planned to get a job working at a school first

by making connections. Once I secured the job, I took the steps needed to prepare to apply for a

credential program. I knew I wanted to attend a private university because I liked the support that

private universities offered. I also knew that I would have to student teach, so I set out to become

an intern teacher instead. It was hard work but with the support of Azusa and my job, I became a

teacher of record for my own class in 20-21.

Significant Elements of Growth

For most of my life, I never stuck with a normal timeline in life or career. When I chose

to become a teacher, I knew I would have to be diligent in completing my assessments, classes,

and coursework. I also knew, I could not afford to work for free. My family was counting on me

to secure a position as a teacher of record during my time as a student teacher. This meant I had

to complete several items according to a deadline. I passed my CSET assessments, received high
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grades in my classes, and secured a job with a school that was willing to hire an intern teacher.

Throughout the process, Azusa guided and encouraged me.

Growth as an Educator

The master’s and credential program at Azusa showed me I should not doubt myself. I

knew I had very little experience as a teacher, but I was willing to learn. In the last two years I

went from a teacher assistant to a teacher of record. I have learned how to check for

understanding, scaffold learning, and support students with differentiation. I thought I wanted to

work in lower elementary, but when I was offered a job as an upper elementary teacher, I rose to

the challenge. As Barnes (2018, para. 2) says, “focus on things that drive our passions for

teaching, we can stretch ourselves and energize our careers.” My passions are what drive me to

continuously grow as an educator.

Professional Accomplishments

My biggest professional accomplishment is being hired as a teacher of record. I started as

a substitute teacher and teacher assistant. I treated every day I was at work as a job interview. In

the end I was offered a job. Further, this year I was nominated as a person of influence in my

school district. While I did not win the award, 30 others were also nominated, it made me realize

my hard work and passion has not gone unnoticed. I also realized that teaching from the heart

should remain my primary goal.

Technical Growth

Growth in Technical Expertise

My understanding and ability to utilize technology in education has grown exponentially.

When I started this program, I knew the basics, Microsoft and Google. However, that has

changed because of what I have learned. I have found resources that make teaching and reaching
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students more impactful. I have come across countless websites that have helped my students

and myself as an educator. I have learned to use substitution, augmentation, modification, and

redefinition (SAMR) within my own remote learning class. As Terada (2020, para. 22) states,

“The goal isn’t to use the most sophisticated tool, but to find the right one for the job.” By being

cognizant of the needs of my students, I now can use technology to enhance their learning.

Specific Technology Resources Impacting my Teaching

The technology resources that are currently impacting my teaching are extensive. Some

of these resources include, Zoom (video conferencing), Padlet (collaboration board), Flipgrid

(classroom social page), Pear Deck (teaching and assessment), Kahoot (Assessment), Google

Slides (collaborative presentation tool), Canvas (learning management system), and S’Mores

(newsletter generator). There are also several other tools such as, voice to text, text to speech,

Loom, Animoto, Prezi, YouTube, Bitmoji, Prodigy, XtraMath, Mystery Science, Math learning

center, and more. In a sea of endless possibilities, I have learned to think wisely about what will

be the most beneficial to myself and my students during class.

Lifelong Learning Plan

The possibilities for my future as a teacher seem endless. I have the distinct impression

that we are entering into a new wave of learning. This means that I need to stay current on

technology and software applications and seek out new ways of teaching in a hybrid or digital

classroom. A few of the things I hope to accomplish and some steps I will take in the future.

 Obtain my preliminary credential from Azusa Pacific University.

 Clear my credential through my district’s induction program.

 Attend PLC meetings provided by my district and collaborate with my co-teachers.

 Subscribe to educational technology blogs to stay up to date on the current trends.

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 Research new ways to engage my students through Project-Based Learning, collaborative

learning, and other methods of teaching.

 Strengthen my understanding of UDL, assistive technology, and scaffolding.

 Reflect on teaching feedback from administration, student, parents, and co-teachers.

Conclusion

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Learning and Technology program at Azusa. Looking back

at all the things I have learned has made this a worthy endeavor. I started out doubting that I

could finish but through God’s will and sheer hard-work I have succeeded. I have discovered a

passion for teaching that I did not know I possessed. Recently I was discussing with my co-

teacher the dilemma of engagement and ideas that are percolating. She told me that is a sign I

have arrived as a teacher because I can confidently reflect on my teaching and make changes to

better support my students. A year ago, I would not have known what it was to reflect on what I

do in a classroom. This demonstrates the invaluable education I have received. Azusa Pacific

University has been a blessing and I look forward to what the future holds.

References

Barnes, P. (2018, October 10). Keeping Your Passion for Teaching Alive.

https://www.edutopia.org/article/keeping-your-passion-teaching-alive.

King James Bible (2017). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/

(Original work published in 1769).

Terada, Y. (2020, May 4). A Powerful Model for Understanding Good Tech Integration.

Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/powerful-model-understanding-good-tech-

integration.